Blood On the Street
The picture above were taken in London. I think it was in 2005 just after the bombings. I found them quite shocking. When people feel strongly about something they take to the streets. Getting it out there for people to see and hear is important. So there was people with their passion and feelings out on the street.
So often the church is on the street but its message is oblique and may even be lost because of the medium that is chosen. Have a look at the notice board below. In some ways its no better than what we have at St Andrew's Bo'ness. Gets you thinking though - what message are our churches giving to those who pass by. Is it that we like classical music or is it that we are engaging with the morality and power struggles of our day? Its true what they say, the medium is the message!
Preparing for "On the Street" comes round so fast. You no sooner have finished one service and the next one is waiting to be developed. It will be interesting to see how this one pans out. I mean the next "On the Street" I'm quite up for doing something completely different. I'm thinking about conducting a Communion Service on the street. I mean literally out on the street somewhere.
If you have any thoughts on the matter I'd love to hear from you. I think it is interesting to consider the idea at least. The crucifixion of Jesus took place in a busy rubbish dump. I think we forget that fact. Of course some will think it a a bit irreverent to offer the benefits of the cross of Christ to those who pass by. I wonder if the act of communion could be a conversion experience for someone on the street ? Would anyone come and take it without thinking first about its meaning? Maybe? maybe not? I think we all have to remember that the blood of Jesus was on the street that first Good Friday.
Here is the question how do we connect with a community of believers that has been disconnected from the church for years? Maybe it is taking the most precious gift we have to offer them and put it on the street. I 'm thinking hard about how I could make a Communion Service on the street meaningful. How can we share the gospel in a few words using the imagery of the eucharist. I wonder if it might be a reminder to someone about the importance of their faith? Anyway I'm going to be thinking this one through over the next few days. love to hear some comments.
Posted By: Liz Crumlish On: 18 Mar 2007 At: 2:53pm
Albert - there’s a beautiful film of a guy taking communion onto the street - called rescue me on http://www.theworkofthepeople.com
Love your blogs